As the year 2023 draws to a close, the anticipation for bidding farewell and embracing the new year is palpable. Amidst the contemplation of crafting realistic resolutions, another concern surfaces - the challenge of tuning into the iconic ball drop moment without cable TV. Navigating the spectacle of the ball drop becomes a considerable task, whether you find yourself celebrating with friends at a lively party, enjoying a family gathering, or savoring the transition alone with a glass of champagne and a spirited kazoo.
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This comprehensive guide is designed to alleviate the stress of this annual dilemma, providing a detailed overview of every New Year's Eve telecast and a selection of webcasts. It ensures you are well-equipped with all the information necessary to seamlessly tune in, allowing you to choose the ideal setting to witness the symbolic descent of the ball and the ushering in of the new year. Whether you're seeking a communal experience or opting for a more intimate celebration, this guide promises to enhance your New Year's Eve experience, making it a memorable and joyous transition into the upcoming year.
Can I come to Times Square for New Year's Eve this year?
Yes, you can! New York City currently does not have any COVID requirements for outdoor events, meaning you can bring the whole family to watch the countdown in real-time! However, should something arise, the latest information and updates about the ball drop can be found at the official Times Square website: TimesSquareNYC.org. It is expected that around 50,000 people will be in Times Square to watch the ball drop.
The event is set to begin just before 6pm EST with the raising of the ball to the top of One Times Square. Revelers should be prepared to arrive early, as prior to the event some streets will be closed, some subway stations nearby Times Square may be bypassed, and entry to the viewing areas will be on a first-come, first served basis.
Where To Watch the Times Square Ball Drop on TV
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Several major television networks will be airing the ball drop live on their channels New Year's Eve. ABC's long-running ball drop broadcast, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest, will be returning this year live from Times Square at 8pm ET / 7pm CT on ABC. Besties Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will be returning to Times Square for the seventh year in a row to host "New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen" on CNN starting at 8pm ET / 7pm CT. Sadly, Miley Cyrus and godmother Dolly Parton will not hold a "Miley's New Year's Eve" special for 2023/2024.
How to stream the ball drop
If your resolution this year was to cut cable, worry not, because there are plenty of places to stream the ball drop! In addition to airing live on TV, each of the aforementioned television networks will all have their shows simultaneously broadcast on their apps. ABC will have their show viewable on ABC Live and the ABC app; CNN on CNNgo and the CNN app; and NBC on NBC.com and Peacock.
Those with streaming subscriptions that have live TV packages can watch the ball drop through those services. These include Hulu + Live TV, Youtube TV, and fuboTV.
Where can I stream the ball drop online for free?
If you're not into the network telecasts, you can also watch the Times Square ball drop online for free! Times Square's official website, TimesSquareNYC.org, will stream a commercial-free webcast of the festivities beginning at 6pm ET / 5pm CT.
And if you plan to watch from your phone, you can also stream the events at NewYearsEve.nyc, and TimesSquareBall.net.
New Year's Telecasts For Country Music Fans
Looking to ring in the new year country style? Luckily for country lovers, CBS's Nashville-based New Year's program "New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash" will return after last year's successful inaugural celebration. Lainey Wilson, Elle King, Thomas Rhett, and Lynyrd Skynyrd will headline the FREE main stage event at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The program will air on CBS Sunday, December 31 at 6:30 CT on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs.
Who is hosting the NYC ball drop?
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Who else would be hosting ABC's "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest" but Ryan Seacrest himself? Seacrest will be accompanied by two co-hosts: Rita Ora and Jeannie Mai. British pop star Ora will be live in Times Square while Mai will cover the Hollywood party in the Pacific time zone. Sadly, the New Orleans coverage has been dropped from the 2023/2024 special.
Who will be performing at this year's ball drop?
The schedule for the official Times Square NYE will not be released until later this month. On New Year's Eve 2023, pop singer Chelsea Cutler and JVKE led the music lineup on the webcast alongside dance performances by the Sino-American Friendship Association and dance group ANEW.
Individual networks will be presenting their own musical performances. ABC's broadcast is withholding their list of performers until closer to the big day, but some notable past headliners include Jennifer Lopez, BTS, the Jonas Brothers, the Chainsmokers, Halsey, and more, so be prepared for some amazing shows.
CBS' Nashville's Big Bash will feature headliners Lainey Wilson, Elle King, Thomas Rhett, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
